ROYAL VISIT

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21290, 9 October 1934, Page 10

ROYAL VISIT

♦ ■ JOURNEY FROM GISBORNE TO ROTORUA ROAD OPEN FOR ONE-WAY TRAFFIC ONLY V PKESS ASSOCIATION 7BI.EGBASI.) ROTORUA, October 8. To avoid the likelihood of any untoward happening or accident, all the roads over which the Duke of Gloucester will travel from Gisborne to Rolorua during his tour of the district in December will be open to one-way traffic only, according to a statement made by the Commissioner of Police (Mr W. G. Wohlmann) during a visit to Rotorua to-day. , The commissioner said that on the way to Rotorua, the Royal party would travel through Wairoa, Gisborne, Opotiki and Whakatane. and as this would be the first occasion on which Royalty had travelled over this route, special arrangements were being made for the Duke's safety against possible accident. All the roads to be traversed would be adequately patrolled, and for about half an hour during the time of the Duke's passing by, one-way traffic only would be permitted. In this regulation an endeavour would be made to cause as little inconvenience as possible to legitimate traffic using the road. A special appeal was being made to farmers to co-operate by keeping wandering stock off the road, as this was regarded as a source of danger on the less frequented portions of the route.

Mr Wohlmann said it was not yet possible to reveal the exaet strength of the bodyguard to be provided for the Duke U Gloucester. party would be accompanied by specially selected members of the police force, while the police in the various towns would be augmented. Special arrangements regarding a Maori welcome to the Duke of Gloucester at Rotorua are being made by Mr. H. R. H. Balneavis, private secretary to the Native Minister (the Hon. *Sir Apirana Ngata), while the Under-Secretary for Internal Affairs (Mr M. Fraser) visited the district over the week-end to make general arrangements for the Royal visit. Mr Fraser said that details of the functions to be held in the Duke's honour at Rotorua could not yet be made public, as the arrangements were still in progress. Tho Duke had expressed a wish that the functions should not be held earlier than 10 a.m., and also tint they should be confined to the mornings, to leave the afternoons free 'or sight-seomg.

TENTATIVE PROGRAMME FOR CHRISTCHURCH The Mayor (Mr D. G. Sullivan. M.P.) has drawn up a tentative programme for the visit of his Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester to the city. The programme has been submitted by the Mayor to the Minister for Internal Affairs (the Hon. J. A. Young) for approval by his Excellency the GovernorGeneral. Until this approval is obtained the programme cannot be regarded as final. The programme is as follows: — Saturday, January 19 Noon.—Civic welcome and presentation of address. 3 p.m.—Visit to Rannerdale Home and other hospitals. 8.30 p.m.—Attend Returned Soldiers' Association smoke concert in Jelhcoe Hall. Sunday, January 20 Morning—Visit Akaroa. Attend church service in the morning. Lunch with Mayor and councillors of Akaroa. Visit one or two of the most historic places of interest, probably occupying about one hour. Evening—Free. Monday, January 21 10.30 a.m.—Attend children's display at Lancaster Park. 2.45 —Drive round city. 8.30 p.m.—Attend folk and community dancing at King Edward Barracks.

DEPARTURE FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA (L'KITKU I'Kf.SS ASSOCIATION —by SLiit'llUC TtI.EoaAI'U—COPYRIGHT.) (Received October 8, 8.50 p.m.) PERTH, October 8. Prince Henry's highly successful visit to Western Australia ended today when he set out on a country tour, visiting some of the principal towns by car and attending the York races. He joined the Royal train at Kalgoorlie for the transcontinental trip to South Australia FAIRBRIDGE FARM SCHOOL INSPECTED PERTH, October 8. The Duke of Gloucester on Sunday visited the Fairbridge Farm School and? inspected all the buildings. He received a most enthusiastic welcome from 400 boys. They ran cheering after his car as he set off for Pinjarra.